The Automobile Association warned of "treacherous black ice" in much of the country, the Daily Mail reported.

　　"If possible, stay at home for Christmas where you will be safe," the association said. "If you have planned to visit relatives or friends try to postpone Christmas for a day or two and celebrate it on Boxing Day or Dec. 27 when the weather is expected to improve."

　　The bad weather that has lingered for days has been blamed for at least 19 deaths. Thick fog, snow and black ice are expected to hit major roads again today.

　　The Christmas getaway is normally one of the busiest times of the year, but the millions hoping to hit the road today are being warned: You'd be dicing with death.

　　The bad weather affected every mode of transportation, with planes delayed or canceled, trains running late and some highways closed because of ice.

　　Families arriving at most major British airports are facing a desperate race against time to make alternative travel arrangements as the snow, sleet and fog grounded more than two dozen flights.

　　At St Pancras there were once again long queues of passengers trying to board a skeleton Eurostar service.

　　The company is expecting to run only about two-thirds of its normal services today and warned people without tickets to stay away.